angioCT

Angio-CT, short for CT angiography, is a medical imaging technique that uses computed tomography combined with iodinated contrast material to visualize the body's blood vessels. It provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of arterial and venous structures and is generally less invasive than conventional catheter-based angiography.

The procedure involves injecting a contrast agent through an intravenous line and performing rapid CT image acquisition during a timed bolus of contrast. Modern multi-detector CT scanners enable swift, whole-vascular-system imaging. Post-processing yields multiplanar reformats, maximum intensity projections, and three-dimensional renderings to evaluate vessel anatomy and pathology.

Indications for angio-CT include assessment of vascular diseases such as aortic aneurysm and dissection, carotid and intracranial arterial pathology, peripheral arterial disease, renal and mesenteric artery disorders, and pulmonary embolism (CT pulmonary angiography). It is also used in stroke triage to identify large vessel occlusions and for preoperative planning or post-injury assessment in trauma.

Angio-CT can be extended to evaluate organ perfusion in certain contexts and to guide endovascular or surgical interventions. It is valued for its speed, wide availability, and ability to image both arteries and veins in a single study when needed.

Limitations and risks include exposure to ionizing radiation and potential adverse reactions or kidney injury from iodinated contrast, particularly in patients with preexisting renal impairment or contrast allergies. Artifacts from motion or metal implants can degrade image quality. Compared with conventional catheter angiography, angio-CT is noninvasive but does not allow immediate therapeutic intervention in the same session.